SPECTRA ART SPACE

A STORY for Introverts:

I always expect the butterflies living in my stomach to be cool, but they’re anxious critters. They start flapping early in the day. I stifle them just below chaos mode, but I can tell this adventure will either end with maximum panic (which means my introvert-butt will chicken out before my shoes are on) or a complete embrace of the unexpected. I pull up my metaphorical big girl pants and tell those butterflies what’s what. My vivid green eyeliner smokes around my eyes, and my heavy boots are zipped, so tonight, I’ll embrace the unexpected.

Nature blesses me with gorgeous, fluffy snow while I walk down Broadway. It’s hard for me to feel anything besides calm wonder when it snows. Sappy, sure, but honest. I always look up into the lampposts to watch the snow falling. A funhouse mirror greets me at the entrance of this Denver hotspot, Spectra Art Space, and my nervous butterflies dissolve. This wacky introduction to my evening reminds me I’m here to have fun. The show is “Little Bit of Love,” so I know it’s a Valentine’s Day theme, but this girl is determined to see past any ooey gooey lovey dovey hokum and appreciate some art.

I’m in the right place. Not just the correct address, I’m in the right place for me. Soft pastels and rainbows cover everything; it makes me a little giddy. My eyes dart around, luring me to all corners of the space, but my feet remind me I have a ticket that needs scanning. The ticket taker says my RSVP gets me free alcohol, tarot readings, and access to the art show, but I have to pay extra for the immersive experience. I chew on the inside of my cheek for a second, but it’s a quick yes.

I tuck the adorable gift bag my purchase earned me into my backpack and wander. Free alcohol is tempting, but I don’t drink. I’ve been avoiding tarot cards for months due to my string of bad luck that I suspect won’t be ending soon, and I’d rather not hear about it from the source. So, even though they’re free, tonight I’ll skip the booze and the Tower. Besides, there’s fun art all around.

I’ve been to plenty of art shows, most of them mediocre, but this feels diverse and elevated. Wall sculptures and yarn art take up space where you’d expect traditional paintings and photography while surrounding tables offer earrings, candles, and cute terrariums. I would buy most of the art here (if I had that much disposable income). That’s a rare thought.

After a half-lap, I line up for the main event: the immersive art experience. My new 3D glasses affect the lights magnificently, so I strap them on. Until now, I’ve been putting on my adult-in-public face. These glasses bring out the magic-seeking unicorn in me. The glowing sign above the door that reads “SPOOKADELIA” radiates like a prism and spins as I turn my head. Excitement inches up my spine, making me wiggle.

I’m still in awe of my new specs when the attendant hands me a postcard with instructions for a mini scavenger hunt. I’m a sucker for scavenger hunts. She runs through some things, and I try to listen, but my anticipation yanks my attention around. Finally, the group ahead is out, and it’s my turn.

I think I’ve been drugged. The series of rooms I ramble through mean to imitate an acid trip, or so it feels. Glowing candy clouds thunder from the ceiling of the first room, and disco spiders corner me in the next. Eyeballs follow me everywhere, like a creepier Wonderland. Everything is psychedelic rainbows and shards of glinting mirror. The oozing animal skeletons are ambiguous, offering no help or harm but looking like a Disney nightmare from Elm Street. I belong here.

Part of this maze is outside, in the snow. I know I’m the only one who prefers it this way, but I believe the snow makes this place a million times more magical. The giant eyeball flowers sag under the weight, the Day-Glo dog skeleton appears less menacing with its ribs supporting ribbons of powder, and the miniature elf village feels cozier, all tucked away from the cold. For me, the snow is a bonus.

So are the characters that belong to Spookadelia. The dark figure with only an eyeball for a head feels safe and even poses when I take a photo. The mirror man is a wild card, holding a pair of legs hanging from the ceiling like a trophy when I first meet him. Maybe I’m imagining things, but is that a threat? No, what’s threatening is the last character: the evil Furby. The costume sits very still in the final tent, but it’s so dark I can’t be sure there’s no one in there. Scenes from every horror movie flash through my head.

Since this isn’t a horror movie, I survive the final room. I try to recall when I started this journey, and my best guess is two hours ago. When I say I felt high on something divine, I mean I hit that hard-to-find place in my heart that opens fully to real-world fantasy and beauty. I’m so glad I didn’t touch the alcohol, and I’m feeling too good to worry about what the tarot deck wants to tell me. I browse the few tables I didn’t see on my way in, and I’m happy with my choice to embrace this wild evening.

Just-So-You-Know DETAILS:

Spectra Art Space is on South Broadway, a pretty hip area of Denver, which explains why it’s so cool. The art inside reflects that coolness. Everyone makes earrings these days, from clay to laser-cut materials, so it’s no surprise you can find those here. Some items are decorated with cats, and others with nature imagery, so it’s all trending. The wall art is interesting, pretty, and relatable enough that you’d actually want it on your walls.

As all art shows do, the art rotates from one show to the next, so the next might offer a completely different style. The free admission into the space is well worth it, it’s the immersive experience you’ll pay for. Attending the art opening discounted my ticket to $25, which included my gift bag and the keepsake 3D glasses. Make sure you RSVP to the next event to discount your immersive ticket. I promise you’ll thank me.

The GIST – Should You Visit Spectra Art Space?

This space will test your introverted nature here and there, but it’s otherwise the perfect spot for anyone wanting a solo outing. For such a tight space, they managed to squeeze a lot in there, so you might bump into people once or twice. They might even try to speak with you. The DJ added the right atmosphere to keep conversation possible but unnecessary; it’s perfect for avoiding small talk if you want. If the chaos feels overwhelming, you can duck into a tarot reading, but your best bet is the immersive experience.

Spectra Art Space does a great job spacing out entries, meaning you can enjoy that first room alone for a few minutes before the next group joins you. People will move back and forth through the rooms, but with so much to look at, they’re not interested in bothering you anyway. This is at your leisure, so come and go as you please. If you love snow like me, and you’re lucky enough to visit them on a snowy day, you might also find the outdoor space majestic and quiet. Even with other people flitting around, any introvert will fall in love with this place.

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Visit the Spectra Art Space website here.

If you enjoy immersive experiences, read about Arcadia Earth in NYC.